Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International has an idea for people terrified of public speaking -- speak up! The organization's program is designed to improve public speaking and leadership skills through having its members run meetings and give prepared and impromptu speeches. The nonprofit group boasts about 250,000 members in some 12,500 clubs across the US and in 100 other countries worldwide. Toastmasters counts actor Tim Allen, Reagan press secretary James Brady, tennis star Billie Jean King, former US astronaut James Lovell, and many elected officials among its membership. Toastmasters International was established in 1924 by Ralph Smedley.